QC Circle Improvement Procedure (QC Story Roadmap)
The complete 9-Step Improvement Procedure from JSQC-Std 31-001:2020, Table 1 (p.12). Each step shows the exact techniques mandated by the standard, JSQC guidance, story board deliverables, and direct links to CILS Tools Hub.
4 Types of QC Story and How to Select (JSQC-Std 31-001:2020, Section 6.6.3, Fig. 8)
1. Problem Solving Type
When to use: Same process operated before but unexpected problem occurred (not anticipated).
Steps: Theme → Understand current status + target → Plan → Analyse causes → Examine + implement countermeasures → Effect confirmation → Standardise + control → Review
Most typical procedure. Learn this type first. Emphasise detailed investigation and why-why analysis.
2. Countermeasure Execution Type
When to use: Team already well-versed in the process; cause and countermeasure direction already understood — skip cause analysis step.
Steps: Theme → Understand current status + target → Plan → Examine + implement countermeasures → Effect confirmation → Standardise + control → Review
Effective for senior members improving well-understood processes quickly.
3. Preventive Type
When to use: To prevent future accidents or troubles before they happen — not to fix something that has already gone wrong.
Steps: Theme → Understand current status + target → Plan → Find opportunities for improvement → Share countermeasures + horizontal deployment → Effect confirmation → Standardise + control → Review
Clarify common characteristics from past accidents and troubles. Link to specific preventive countermeasures.
4. Task Achieving Type
When to use: New, never-before-experienced tasks — new operations, new product sales, significant process innovations.
Steps: Theme → Identify points to tackle + target setting → Plan → Pursue optimal scenario → Implement optimal scenario → Effect confirmation → Standardise + control → Review
Important to overcome traditional constraints and create new innovative ideas.
3 Basics and Key QC Approaches (JSQC-Std 31-001:2020, Sections 4.2-4.4)
Basic 1: Challenge problems and tasks in small groups (Section 4.2)
Optimal group size is 5-8 persons (max 10). Members must have different knowledge, skills, viewpoints, ideas and authority. A leader is needed who can operate the group autonomously. Support from outside should be provided at the opportune time.
Basic 2: Improve based on QC approach, procedure and techniques (Section 4.3)
Follow the PDCA cycle and the 9-step Improvement Procedure. Key perspectives: Customer focus (thorough market-in), Purpose-orientated (always asking what the purpose is), Priority approach (start from the most effective), Fact-based management (viewing actual sites, actual objects, and reality).
Basic 3: Enhance abilities and energize the organization (Section 4.4)
The Self-actualization Cycle (Fig. 2): Challenge problem/task → Recognize shortage of abilities → Develop abilities by learning → Reveal and utilize abilities → Solve problem or achieve task → Recognize the results obtained → Increase motivation → repeat. Abilities developed include: improvement abilities, small group operation abilities, and area-specific technologies.
How to Prepare a QC Circle Story Board (Presentation Guide)
What is a QC Circle Story Board? A visual summary of your QC circle improvement activity, presented at internal and external presentation meets. It must demonstrate you followed the QC Story procedure, used the correct techniques at each step, and achieved measurable results.
One panel per step: Typically each of the 9 steps occupies one panel of the story board. Show the technique used, the data output, and how it led to the next step.
Before and After comparison (Step 7): This is the centrepiece of any story board. Show side-by-side graphs and charts proving the effect. Use the same measurement method as Step 2.
Standard documents (Step 8): Include a photo or screenshot of the updated SOP, QC process chart, or Poka-Yoke device as evidence of standardisation.
ICQCC Evaluation (Step 9): If presenting at ICQCC, the evaluation covers 7 angles across 20 criteria on a 100-point scale. Use the CILS ICQCC Assessment Sheet tool to self-evaluate before your presentation.
Theme bank: Keep a running record of potential themes identified daily. Document them as you go — this is the input for Step 1 of the next cycle.